Why Do People Think That Shy People Are Crazy?

Question

I have always heard people say "that it is the shy ones that you have to worry about." I don't understand that. Has anyone here had any bad experiences with people who are shy?

yeah. the quiet ones.. that is what I meant, lol

Answer 1

People fear what they don't understand. Those who are afraid to hear their own thoughts, and must drown them out by speaking constantly obviously can not understand shy people.

Answer 2

Yeah I'm a very shy person. And people are always saying that the shy ones are the ones that have them crazy thoughts and everything. I don't have crazy thoughts, I'm just very shy and I have been for most of my life I can't help being shy. I'm trying to get over this shyness, because I don't want to be like this anymore. But it makes me mad sometimes when people say the quiet ones are crazy, when they're probably the crazy psycho ones. But whatever I know that people are always going to have something to say about things, that's their opinion.

Answer 3

Okay, first off I am a pretty shy person, and trust me I would never hurt anyone. I think you should understand not all shy people are crazy! I think that some people are "crazy" which in turn makes them shy because they don't know how to handle social situations and often find themselves inadequate. I believe that he was probably made fun of, harassed, and teased which may have lead up to his built up anger!
Trust me all these "innocent" college students just might not be so innocent!
There is this really sweet, smart, foreign descent, and shy boy in one of my classes that sits beside me and he doesn't really speak to anyone. But he minds his own business and never bothers or hurts anyone.

Well, one day a few weeks ago these girls, that are apparently mentally retarded and need mental help themselves, when his coat fell on the ground when he got up to collect a quiz from the lecturers desk, one of them told the other, her friend, when her friend reached to pick up the coat, " no don't pick up his coat he's a weirdo" and then she actually grounded her foot on his coat! I was so shocked that the only thing I could do was lean over and pick up his coat. I didn't say anything to him or them. But I always look at those girls with such grief and disgust that they would be so low and ignorant to do that. Well, he was nice as ever and just smiled and acted like it didn't bother him, but it makes me curious if it really didn't bother him! I mean how can so many college students act like that to their fellow students? and not think of repercussions?

Answer 4

Kudos to Drama Queen, Lisa A, and Samantha's answers! This is just another stereotype cause by ignorance. I have spent most of my life being called "shy" by people who don't know me! If they did, they'd understand I am no different than the next person. From my observation (typically shy, quiet people do a lot of observing and listening, instead of talking), "shy" people are more real, intelligent, and respectful than some other louder people.

Answer 5

Shy people don't talk alot so you don't know what's going on in their heads. Talkative people are easy to understand because they have told you everything in their live, home, etc.

When shy people react and speak up, everyone is surprised because they did not expect the shy person to speak up and they assume that they would not just because they are quiet, but the quiet ones are the ones you have to watch.

Hope this answered your question.

Answer 6

I don't think its because they are shy that people say that...well, not directly at least. Because they are shy, they don't connect with people as efficiently or as quickly as others, and therefore, fewer people know much about them, and people fear what they don't know.

Its just like being afraid of the dark...its not the darkness you fear, its the unknown and the uncertain. They aren't afraid of the shy people themselves, just what they don't know, and what that shy person COULD be (though most likely is not)

Answer 7

People say this because they don't understand quiet or shy people. Shy/quiet people are a mystery...and you have to "watch" them because you don't know what they are thinking or what they are going to do next. Loud people who are outgoing are predictable, you know what they are going to do...you can get a read on them, while shy people remain a mystery. Shy people are over-thinkers and analyzers...that's why you have to "watch out." Shy people are intelligent and will out-think ya!

Answer 8

I don’t think that always means you have to worry about them because they are crazy. It could be because they are bottling things up inside and not saying how they feel you may worry about their well being.
Also if someone does think it means you have to worry about them because they are crazy that could be again because they are keeping things to themselves and may one day overreact as a result.
There are many other ways that saying can be interpreted. People often say also it’s the quiet ones you have to watch-but that could be to say that they could surprise you in a good way. E.g. being very good at a presentation or at something you may not expect them to be.

Answer 9

It's a stereotype, and since Columbine people have really started to follow that idea that loners are psychopaths waiting to happen. It's sad but for a majority of people that do mass murders minus the Charles Manson's of the world they are constantly called loners.

Answer 10

Yes,that statement is actually true but not 100%!!

Meaning,the shy ones always stay quite,they LISTEN and dont talk,they can do many things and nobody can say anything to them cuz they think they are too shy,but most the shy ones are the smart ones can play either sides!!

This does not go to all shy ppl ofcourse,and no i have not had an experince with one,but ive heard alot about shy ppl!!